83 FR 9298 - Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 43 (March 5, 2018)

Page Range		9298-9299
FR Document		2018-04398

This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that the following stocks are subject to overfishing, overfished, or approaching an overfished condition. Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish is now subject to overfishing. The southern Georges Bank/Mid-Atlantic stock of red hake and North Atlantic shortfin mako shark are now both subject to overfishing and overfished. The following Atlantic stocks are still overfished: Atlantic wolffish, ocean pout, the Southern New England/ Mid-Atlantic stock of winter flounder, the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank stock of windowpane flounder, and witch flounder. In addition, three stocks of yellowtail flounder (Georges Bank, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic), and two stocks of Atlantic cod (Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine) are all still subject to overfishing and overfished. NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, notifies the appropriate fishery management council (Council) whenever it determines that a stock is subject to overfishing, is in an overfished condition, or is approaching an overfished condition.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9298-9299]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04398]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF960


Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the 
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that the following stocks 
are subject to overfishing, overfished, or approaching an overfished 
condition. Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish is now subject to 
overfishing. The southern Georges Bank/Mid-Atlantic stock of red hake 
and North Atlantic shortfin mako shark are now both subject to 
overfishing and overfished. The following Atlantic stocks are still 
overfished: Atlantic wolffish, ocean pout, the Southern New England/
Mid-Atlantic stock of winter flounder, the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank 
stock of windowpane flounder, and witch flounder. In addition, three 
stocks of yellowtail flounder (Georges Bank, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine and 
Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic), and two stocks of Atlantic cod 
(Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine) are all still subject to overfishing 
and overfished. NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, notifies the 
appropriate fishery management council (Council) whenever it determines 
that a stock is subject to overfishing, is in an overfished condition, 
or is approaching an overfished condition.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Regina Spallone, (301) 427-8568.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 304(e)(2) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1854(e)(2), NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, 
must notify Councils, and publish in the Federal Register, whenever it 
determines that a stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing, 
overfished, or approaching an overfished condition.
    NMFS has determined that Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish is now 
subject to overfishing. In years in which this stock is assessed, Gulf 
of Mexico gray triggerfish is subject to overfishing if the fishing 
mortality rate (F) is greater than the maximum fishing mortality 
threshold (MFMT). In non-assessment years, the stock is subject to 
overfishing if total landings exceed the overfishing limit (OFL). While 
the most recent stock assessment (from 2015, using data from 2013) 
supported a determination that the stock was not subject to 
overfishing, landings data from 2016, finalized in 2017, support a 
determination that gray triggerfish is subject to overfishing because 
total landings in 2016 were greater than the OFL. NMFS has informed the 
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council that it must take action to 
end overfishing immediately on this stock.
    NMFS has determined that the Southern Georges Bank/Mid-Atlantic 
stock of red hake and North Atlantic shortfin mako shark are now both 
subject to overfishing and overfished. The Northeast Fisheries Science 
Center completed the most recent assessment of the Southern Georges 
Bank/Mid-Atlantic stock of red hake in 2017, using data through 2016. 
This assessment supports a determination that the stock is now subject 
to overfishing because the exploitation rate exceeds targets, and 
overfished because survey indices are below the minimum stock size 
threshold. NMFS has informed the New England Fishery Management Council 
(New England Council) that it must take action to end overfishing 
immediately on, and rebuild, this stock.
    The latest stock assessment for North Atlantic shortfin mako shark 
was finalized in 2017 by the International Commission for the 
Conservation of Atlantic Tuna's (ICCAT's) Standing Committee for 
Research and Statistics, using data through 2015. This assessment 
supports a recommendation of subject to overfishing because fishing 
mortality exceeds targets and overfished because estimates of biomass 
in 2015 are less than the biomass targets. Under the Atlantic Tunas 
Convention Act, NMFS will implement new ICCAT management measures to 
address overfishing and begin rebuilding this stock.
    NMFS has also determined that the following Atlantic stocks are 
still overfished: Atlantic wolffish, ocean pout, the Southern New 
England/Mid-Atlantic stock of winter flounder, and the Gulf of Maine/
Georges Bank stock of windowpane flounder. Determinations are based on 
the most recent stock assessments, completed in 2017, using data 
through 2016, which indicate that biomass estimates remain below 
targets for these stocks. The status of Atlantic witch flounder could 
not be quantitatively determined and was qualitatively determined to be 
overfished based on poor stock condition.

[[Page 9299]]

    NMFS has determined that the Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine and Southern 
New England/Mid-Atlantic stocks of yellowtail flounder and Gulf of 
Maine Atlantic cod are still subject to overfishing and overfished. 
These determinations are based on the most recent stock assessments, 
completed in 2017, using data through 2016, which indicate that biomass 
remains below targets and fishing mortality remains above thresholds. 
The 2017 assessment provided no accepted models and no qualitative 
information to recommend stock status for Georges Bank yellowtail 
flounder and Georges Bank cod. Thus, status for these stocks continues 
to be listed as subject to overfishing and overfished, based on the 
last accepted assessment conducted in 2013. These assessments continue 
status determinations made previously and NMFS has informed the New 
England Council that it must take action to end overfishing and rebuild 
these stocks.

    Dated: February 28, 2018.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries Service, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-04398 Filed 3-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

9298 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2018 / Notices

in the Permits and Conservation DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE if total landings exceed the overfishing
Division, Office of Protected Resources, limit (OFL). While the most recent stock
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room National Oceanic and Atmospheric assessment (from 2015, using data from
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone Administration 2013) supported a determination that
(301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376. the stock was not subject to overfishing,
RIN 0648–XF960
Written comments on this application landings data from 2016, finalized in
should be submitted to the Chief, Determination of Overfishing or an 2017, support a determination that gray
Permits and Conservation Division, at Overfished Condition triggerfish is subject to overfishing
the address listed above. Comments may because total landings in 2016 were
also be submitted by facsimile to (301) AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries greater than the OFL. NMFS has
713–0376, or by email to Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and informed the Gulf of Mexico Fishery
NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Management Council that it must take
include the File No. in the subject line Commerce. action to end overfishing immediately
of the email comment. ACTION: Notice. on this stock.
Those individuals requesting a public NMFS has determined that the
SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice Southern Georges Bank/Mid-Atlantic
hearing should submit a written request that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of
to the Chief, Permits and Conservation stock of red hake and North Atlantic
Commerce (Secretary), has found that shortfin mako shark are now both
Division at the address listed above. The the following stocks are subject to
request should set forth the specific subject to overfishing and overfished.
overfishing, overfished, or approaching The Northeast Fisheries Science Center
reasons why a hearing on this an overfished condition. Gulf of Mexico
application would be appropriate. completed the most recent assessment
gray triggerfish is now subject to of the Southern Georges Bank/Mid-
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:Erin overfishing. The southern Georges Atlantic stock of red hake in 2017, using
Markin or Amy Hapeman, (301) 427– Bank/Mid-Atlantic stock of red hake data through 2016. This assessment
8401. and North Atlantic shortfin mako shark supports a determination that the stock
are now both subject to overfishing and is now subject to overfishing because
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The overfished. The following Atlantic
subject permit is requested under the the exploitation rate exceeds targets,
stocks are still overfished: Atlantic and overfished because survey indices
authority of the Endangered Species Act wolffish, ocean pout, the Southern New
of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. are below the minimum stock size
England/Mid-Atlantic stock of winter threshold. NMFS has informed the New
1531 et seq.) and the regulations flounder, the Gulf of Maine/Georges
governing the taking, importing, and England Fishery Management Council
Bank stock of windowpane flounder, (New England Council) that it must take
exporting of endangered and threatened and witch flounder. In addition, three
species (50 CFR parts 222–226). action to end overfishing immediately
stocks of yellowtail flounder (Georges on, and rebuild, this stock.
Karen Holloway-Adkins proposes to Bank, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine and The latest stock assessment for North
continue to characterize the population Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic), Atlantic shortfin mako shark was
of green and loggerhead sea turtles in and two stocks of Atlantic cod (Georges finalized in 2017 by the International
nearshore reefs in Brevard County, Bank and Gulf of Maine) are all still Commission for the Conservation of
Florida to determine: (1) Spatial and subject to overfishing and overfished. Atlantic Tuna’s (ICCAT’s) Standing
temporal distribution, (2) mean size, (3) NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, Committee for Research and Statistics,
foraging habitats, (4) body conditions notifies the appropriate fishery using data through 2015. This
and fibropapillomatosis ratios, (5) management council (Council) assessment supports a recommendation
genetic origin, and (6) home-range, site whenever it determines that a stock is of subject to overfishing because fishing
fidelity, and residency times. Up to 80 subject to overfishing, is in an mortality exceeds targets and overfished
green and six loggerhead sea turtles overfished condition, or is approaching because estimates of biomass in 2015
would be captured by hand or using dip an overfished condition. are less than the biomass targets. Under
or tangle nets, annually. All captured FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act,
green sea turtles would be measured, Regina Spallone, (301) 427–8568. NMFS will implement new ICCAT
weighed, and photographed and management measures to address
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
released. Annually, up to 65 green sea overfishing and begin rebuilding this
to section 304(e)(2) of the Magnuson-
turtles also would be tagged (passive stock.
Stevens Fishery Conservation and
integrated transponder [PIT] and
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens NMFS has also determined that the
flipper), and biologically sampled
Act), 16 U.S.C. 1854(e)(2), NMFS, on following Atlantic stocks are still
(blood and tissue) and a subset would
behalf of the Secretary, must notify overfished: Atlantic wolffish, ocean
receive a transmitter (drill carapace or
Councils, and publish in the Federal pout, the Southern New England/Mid-
epoxy attachment) or undergo lavage
Register, whenever it determines that a Atlantic stock of winter flounder, and
prior to release. Loggerhead sea turtles
stock or stock complex is subject to the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank stock of
would be tagged (PIT and flipper),
overfishing, overfished, or approaching windowpane flounder. Determinations
biologically sampled (blood and tissue),
an overfished condition. are based on the most recent stock
photographed, measured, and weighed
NMFS has determined that Gulf of assessments, completed in 2017, using
prior to release.
Mexico gray triggerfish is now subject to data through 2016, which indicate that
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

Dated: February 27, 2018. overfishing. In years in which this stock biomass estimates remain below targets
Julia Harrison, is assessed, Gulf of Mexico gray for these stocks. The status of Atlantic
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, triggerfish is subject to overfishing if the witch flounder could not be
Office of Protected Resources, National fishing mortality rate (F) is greater than quantitatively determined and was
Marine Fisheries Service. the maximum fishing mortality qualitatively determined to be
[FR Doc. 2018–04361 Filed 3–2–18; 8:45 am] threshold (MFMT). In non-assessment overfished based on poor stock
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P years, the stock is subject to overfishing condition.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2018 / Notices 9299

NMFS has determined that the Cape SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Alternate Designated Federal Officer,
Cod/Gulf of Maine and Southern New subcommittee meeting is being held via electronic mail, the preferred mode
England/Mid-Atlantic stocks of under the provisions of the Federal of submission, at the address listed in
yellowtail flounder and Gulf of Maine Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Atlantic cod are still subject to U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the section. Each page of the comment or
overfishing and overfished. These Government in the Sunshine Act of statement must include the author’s
determinations are based on the most 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and name, title or affiliation, address, and
recent stock assessments, completed in 41 CFR 102–3.150. daytime phone number. The Alternate
2017, using data through 2016, which Purpose of the Meeting: The purpose Designated Federal Official will review
indicate that biomass remains below of the meeting is to provide the all submitted written comments or
targets and fishing mortality remains subcommittee with an overview of the statements and provide them to
above thresholds. The 2017 assessment U.S. Army War College Academic members of the subcommittee for their
provided no accepted models and no Campaign Plan, discuss Middle States consideration. Written comments or
qualitative information to recommend and JPME II accreditation matters, and statements being submitted in response
stock status for Georges Bank yellowtail to address other administrative matters. to the agenda set forth in this notice
flounder and Georges Bank cod. Thus, Agenda: The subcommittee will must be received by the Alternate
status for these stocks continues to be review and evaluate information related Designated Federal Official at least
listed as subject to overfishing and to the continued academic growth, seven business days prior to the meeting
overfished, based on the last accepted accreditation, and development of the to be considered by the subcommittee.
assessment conducted in 2013. These U.S. Army War College. General Written comments or statements
assessments continue status deliberations leading to provisional received after this date may not be
determinations made previously and findings will be referred to the Army provided to the subcommittee until its
NMFS has informed the New England Education Advisory Committee for next meeting.
Council that it must take action to end deliberation by the Committee under the
open-meeting rules. Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.140d, the
overfishing and rebuild these stocks. Committee is not obligated to allow a
Public Accessibility to the Meeting:
Dated: February 28, 2018. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended, member of the public to speak or
Jennifer M. Wallace, and 41 CFR 102–3.140 through 102– otherwise address the Committee during
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable 3.165, and subject to the availability of the meeting. Members of the public will
Fisheries Service, National Marine Fisheries space, this meeting is open to the be permitted to make verbal comments
Service. public. Seating is on a first to arrive during the Committee meeting only at
[FR Doc. 2018–04398 Filed 3–2–18; 8:45 am] basis. Attendees are requested to submit the time and in the manner described
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P their, name, affiliation, and daytime below. If a member of the public is
phone number seven business days interested in making a verbal comment
prior to the meeting to Dr. David at the open meeting, that individual
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Dworak, via electronic mail, the must submit a request, with a brief
preferred mode of submission, at the statement of the subject matter to be
Department of the Army address listed in the FOR FURTHER addressed by the comment, at least
INFORMATION CONTACT section. seven business days in advance to the
Army Education Advisory Because the meeting of the subcommittee’s Alternate Designated
Subcommittee Meeting Notice subcommittee will be held in a Federal Federal Official, via electronic mail,
Government facility on a military base, the preferred mode of submission, at the
AGENCY: Department of the Army, DOD.
security screening is required. A photo address listed in the FOR FURTHER
ACTION:Notice of open Subcommittee ID is required to enter base. Please note INFORMATION CONTACT section. The
meeting. that security and gate guards have the Alternate Designated Federal Officer
SUMMARY: The Department of the Army right to inspect vehicles and persons will log each request, in the order
is publishing this notice to announce seeing to enter and exit the installation. received, and in consultation with the
the following Federal advisory Root Hall is fully handicap accessible. subcommittee Chairperson, determine
committee meeting of the U.S. Army Wheelchair access is available in front whether the subject matter of each
War College Board of Visitors, a at the main entrance of the building. For comment is relevant to the
subcommittee of the Army Education additional information about public Subcommittee’s mission and/or the
Advisory Committee. This meeting is access procedures, contact Dr. David topics to be addressed in this public
open to the public. Dworak, the subcommittee’s Alternate meeting. A 15-minute period near the
Designated Federal Officer, at the email end of the meeting will be available for
DATES: The U.S. Army War College
address or telephone number listed in verbal public comments. Members of
Board of Visitors Subcommittee will the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
meet from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the public who have requested to make
section. a verbal comment and whose comments
April 6, 2018. Written Comments or Statements: have been deemed relevant under the
ADDRESSES: U.S. Army War College, 122 Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.105(j) and process described above, will be allotted
Forbes Avenue, Carlisle, PA, Command 102–3.140 and section 10(a)(3) of the no more than three minutes during the
Conference Room, Root Hall, Carlisle Federal Advisory Committee Act, the period, and will be invited to speak in
Barracks, PA 17013. public or interested organizations may
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

the order in which their requests were
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. submit written comments or statements received by the Alternate Designated
David Dworak, the Alternate Designated to the subcommittee, in response to the Federal Official.
Federal Officer for the subcommittee, in stated agenda of the open meeting or in
writing at Office of the Provost, 122 regard to the subcommittee’s mission in Brenda S. Bowen,
Forbes Ave., Carlisle, PA 17013, by general. Written comments or Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
email at david.d.dworak.civ@mail.mil, statements should be submitted to Dr. [FR Doc. 2018–04409 Filed 3–2–18; 8:45 am]
or by telephone at (717) 245–3365. David Dworak, the subcommittee BILLING CODE 5001–03–P

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Document Created: 2018-03-03 02:45:29
Document Modified: 2018-03-03 02:45:29

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Contact		Regina Spallone, (301) 427-8568.
FR Citation		83 FR 9298
RIN Number		0648-XF96

83 FR 9298 - Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 43 (March 5, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration